Fundraising Smash

24-Hour Tennis-athon Smashes Expectations and Serves Up over £6,000 for Charity

and Club

A remarkable 24-hour tennis marathon was held over the May bank holiday weekend at St

Michael’s Tennis club and saw four dedicated players — Tom, Jonathan, John, and Dan —

take to the courts and play non-stop from 4pm to 4pm in an extraordinary show of endurance

and community spirit. They were joined by 30 other players, ensuring both courts were full at

all times and many spectators offering encouragement.

The Tennis-athon, was more than just a test of stamina. With over £6,000 raised, all funds

raised are being split evenly between 3 charities - Diabetes UK, Children’s Burns Foundation

and North West Children’s Support Group - as well as St Michael's Tennis Club. The money

raised for the club will help fund the loan repayments for the new floodlights a fantastic

addition that has allowed longer play throughout the year and offered greater access to

tennis for all ages and skill levels.

While Tom, Jonathan, John, and Dan battled it out across the 24-hour stretch, the club kept

energy high with a series of accompanying events. Early risers joined a serene session of

sunrise yoga, budding artists showcased their talents painting a tennis scene under the

guidance of an expert from Brush & Tipple, and families enjoyed a sizzling BBQ and pizza

as the sun set. The Sunday afternoon tea as the event reached its climax was very well

attended and meant there was a large crowd to congratulate the players at the end.

Event organiser Nancy, said: “The dedication shown by our four players was nothing short of

heroic. The atmosphere was incredible — a real celebration of community, sport, and giving

back. To see so many faces both new and familiar at the club over the 24 hours was a

celebration of the work that has been put in over the last few years to reinvigorate and

increase our tennis playing membership”.

The Tennis-athon finale was particularly special with a guard of honour for the players as

they exited the court and a F1 style prosecco celebration. The end came as a huge relief for

the players as the time was taking its toll with sore feet and the excess effort in the warm

weather clearly showing. However, with the support of so many people, music playing

throughout the event and the unique nature of the event, all finished the challenge with a

spring in their steps.

The quality of the tennis rarely dipped – nearly 400 games were played with over 100 aces

and the players covered a distance of nearly 40km, with over 70,000 steps.

Many people were involved in making this event such a success and the club are extremely

grateful to everyone involved. Special thanks to all the companies that kindly donated raffle

prizes - 3-1-5 gym; Carr’s jewellers; Chill Factor; Clockwork; Elswick Motors; Fit Boditz;

Grapes; Guy’s Court; Haldane Fischer; Kick Ass; Lakeside Hotel; Light Ash Café;

Lancashire & North West Magazine; Nisa; Parkinson Butchers; St Michael’s Airfield; Wild

Fox Gin and Wimbledon Foundation.

St Michael’s tennis club has a growing membership and offers tennis for all ages and

abilities. If you are interested in joining contact Nancy Claesen on 07801 717258 ….

Whether its rusty rackets, adults social / team tennis, junior leagues, pickleball, walking

tennis, 1:1 or group coaching – there truly is something for everyone.